How tariffs on Canada, Mexico could impact KYs bourbon industry [Video]

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Significant tariffs on some of America’s major trading partners have been on hold for 30 days since President Trump spoke to leaders from Mexico and Canada.

There is a risk that the tariffs could still come into effect, leaving Kentucky’s multi-billion-dollar bourbon industry uncertain about what could still be coming in the weeks ahead.

“So nationally we export about $2.2, $2.3 billion a year of distilled spirits, of which about two-thirds are bourbon, so it’s an important industry, particularly here in Kentucky,” said Janet Harrah, Economist at NKU’s Haile College of Business.

President Trump agreed to a tariff pause as America’s two largest trading partners took steps to appease his concerns about border security and drug trafficking.

“If you think about what’s really important to our region here in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky region, obviously bourbon is important, but also we do a lot of trading with both …